Christian Horner had a ‘falling out’ with Jos Verstappen, the father of Red Bull star Max, during the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Horner, 50, was under investigation after being accused of alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a female employee. Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of the race team, cleared him of the complaint on Wednesday.
On the eve of the opening race of the season, however, Horner came under renewed pressure when messages and photos purporting to be the alleged evidence in the investigation were leaked to numerous media organisations and F1 personnel.
Horner has maintained his innocence throughout the saga and on Saturday was joined in Bahrain by his wife Geri Halliwell.
Amid the chaos, defending champion Verstappen eased to victory at the Bahrain GP but focus shifted back off the track shortly after when his father Jos said the situation surrounding Horner is ‘driving people apart.’
Verstappen told Mail Sport ’there is tension here while he [Horner] remains in his position’. BBC Sport report Verstappen Snr made those comments after a ‘falling out with Horner in Bahrain’.
Footage shared by Sky Italy shows Horner and Jos Verstappen in animated conversation out in Bahrain but the exact nature of the exchange is unclear.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: ‘We hope there is a resolution as soon as possible’
Friday 23 February – Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
Thursday 29 February to Saturday 2 March – Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
Thursday 29 February – WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March – Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Max Verstappen meanwhile made the perfect start to the new season, leading every lap as he cruised to victory.
Speaking after the race, Horner said: ‘Obviously, it’s not been pleasant. The unwanted attention. I’m not going to comment on what motives whatever person may have for doing this.
‘My focus is on this team, my family, my wife and going racing. I have the support of an incredible family, of an incredible wife, of an incredible team and everybody within that team.
‘My focus is on going racing and winning races and doing the best I can.
‘You can see what it meant to the whole team, better to do your talking on-track. The focus is now very much on the cars.’
